Me, Myself and Memories

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  Noreen 3:09 pm on November 5, 2025 Permalink  

  Good Memories 

  I am not the only person that likes good memories.

  When we visited Sleepy Eye Furniture and Dennis had made his pick of chairs, as the owner was ringing up the purchase, he looked at Dennis more closely.  He commented on knowing Dennis from 1977.

  When Dennis was out of Korea, he became a recruiter for the National Guard.  Dennis would make his rounds to various community armories.  Mr. Larson remembered Dennis from that time.  It took Dennis by surprise to no end.  The two fellows spent quite a bit of time as various names were brought up.  As we drove home from Sleepy Eye that day, Dennis continued recalling events as he traveled southern Minnesota.  Sweet.

  Last night for supper we enjoyed a 12″ sub from Subway.   We marvel at those that can put a 12″ away on their own. 

  As of this afternoon, Dennis now has a new Lazy Boy rocker recliner.  It fits right in.  Yes, I dug out a doily for the back rest just as Dennis requested. 

  The air outside this afternoon is filled with dust from all the mowers that are hard at it.  I think the Asian beetles are thirsty.  When we find one in the house it it always at the kitchen sink.  Well, hello . . . let me give you that drink as we flush them down the drain with a bit of hot water, as I swear they can crawl back out if not given a good ride.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:05 pm on November 4, 2025 Permalink  

  Inventory 

  A good night’s rest and a plan was put in place.

  I have had my sewing machine since 2015.  I would not have believed it had I not gone through the operator’s manual and saw the receipt the other day.

  Today was the day to go through my flash drives of designs I have saved, stitched and enjoyed.  I took the time to load each drive into the sewing machine.  Of course, on each, there were multiple collections as well as individual designs.  What made it so perfect was that I reviewed each item as it came up.  I kept note of items that were no longer valid.  At that time I swiveled my chair, put the flash drive into my Dell computer and deleted those files. It really felt great to review what I had.  I also pulled out some small bags that would now hold each flash drive with a hand-written note of what was on it.  Ten years worth of learning and enjoying. 

  As with anything in my world, emotional attachments trumped the delete key.  A full collection of Pokémon along with all the images of grand pups.  I know I may well add to designs I find.  I will do the organizational thing right off the bat.  Also, I will not be loading the drives up to the hilt, but putting less on perhaps many.  Yes, In the last years, Amazon and I are on speaking terms in as much as I have found a package of ten drives is very reasonable. 

  Today the lawnmowers are chasing leaves.  When I look out over the trees, there are oh so many yet to fall.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:23 pm on November 3, 2025 Permalink  

  Life Expectancy 

  Life Expectancy of appliances and home furnishings is not what it used to be.

  In 2015, Dennis got a new recliner.  He insisted we buy locally . . . and we did.  It was a recliner that had push button controls.  Over the weekend the “push button” would do no more.  I think the chair was past its utility due to its demands.  The chair could just as well been wired for a vacuum attachment to keep up its appearance.  The pleather, aka: look-a-like leather, was shedding worse than the patio porch kitty Snuggles.  We tried some covering to help with its integrity.  At the end, forget it.  There was more black Gorilla Duct Tape on it than was economical.

  Today we drove to Sleepy Eye to the Larson’s Furniture Store.  It was totally up to Dennis as to how the chair fit him.  Color choice could be done as in special ordering it.  Dennis looked at me and I said, his comfort was #1, the color was not even in the equation.  I proudly acknowledge our home is for comfort, not matchy, matchy.  May this new chair give him comfort for ten years.

  The chair will be delivered Wednesday as the store already had a delivery here in town for Wednesday.  Willingly the $25.00 to take the old chair out was gladly added to the bill’s total.

  Oh my, . . . only Dennis.  His request was for Doilies.  That cracked me up.  Well, he thought what had been good enough for his mother and grandmother, would work for him.  Yes, I can honor his request.  Bless his heart. 

  We stopped on the way home at Super Fair.  Ice cream after supper to celebrate a new piece of furnishing.  

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 3:03 pm on November 2, 2025 Permalink  

  November 2nd 2025 

  Another month is on the go with the clocks being turned back one hour as of two a.m. this morning.  Experience from previous years, the change of an hour one way or another doesn’t impact my life.

  We have two wall clocks that will need to be adjusted plus the coffee pot.  I knew if I waited long enough the electric mantel clock from my parents would be right on target.

  Before engaging in any fun times in the studio, I prepared a salted kettle of water to boil some pasta.  I like the pasta tender but not over cooked.  Dennis’ pasta is usually over cooked until it resembles mush.  I thawed some seasoned meatballs.  The pasta, meatballs and a jar of Alfredo will make a good hot meal for today.  When I had the prep done of the pasta dish I turned the kitchen over to Dennis.  Cucumbers and onions in a cream sauce is a dish Dennis does to perfection.  What he needs from me is to have the onion cleaned and sliced.  The round slices that I do, Dennis chops them to his liking.  I have no disagreement in how he does his dish.

  To the studio for some finishing work.  I had three small pillows to complete that will settle in for a patriotic display.  One corner of the church tables is the finishing area.  A very well used and worn Tupperware canister is where I keep the crushed Walnut shells for my small pillows.  I like the heft that comes with the shells rather than the poof that doesn’t remain poofy.  I don’t make many small pillows but I am prepared.  It was economical to order from Amazon where the 5 pounds is listed as Lizard grit in the pet category.  I also like the small pillows as home for a needle or two using them as pin cushions to keep the needles sharp.

  

  I did complete the filling process for the pillows and went on to clean up that process. Using quilting clips to make sure the area that was open for filling remains secure sense.  It took some time for me to thread a tiny needle and much more time for me to get them stitched up.  Hands that used to fly through those stitches now take a bit more time.  Another day, another visit to the studio will find me putting trim around the pillows.  The 2026 pillow is going to get some extra TLC.  Before all is said and done, I will rub some of the crushed Walnut shell over the stark white to give it a good weathered look.  Walnuts have long been key in making stains for furniture.  A little rub here and there will make what is good . . . even better.

  Our supper is set for finishing in the oven.  As I am working on this post, the wind is having its way with anything that isn’t nailed down.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:24 pm on November 1, 2025 Permalink  

  Some Nights 

  Sometimes there are some nights when sleep doesn’t want to kick in.  That some night and sometimes was for Dennis last night.  I had gotten up at four to visit the bathroom.  Dennis got up right after me.  Dennis was wide awake.  I didn’t argue.

  The coffee was started and brewing didn’t take long.  When I knew Dennis was in the patio porch with coffee and his breakfast box, safe and sound, I went back to bed.  I managed to fall asleep after I had solved all the world’s problems and then got up at eight.  I knew Dennis and snuggles can easily fall asleep in the rocking chair in the patio porch. 

  Dennis came in a bit after eight, we bid each other a good morning and Dennis went to his recliner for a nap.  I enjoyed several cups of coffee checking out what my HP could share with me.  

  I know it must sound unreal that I can spend visit after visit doing the tidy in the studio.  It must be remembered that I only stay at it for 2-3 hours, getting side-tracked along the way.  I do not like UFOs, unfinished objects.  Unfinished objects don’t even get a glance before they are pitched in the circular file.  I had stitched the design packet of the Congress of Eagles.  I used three of the designs on a project for Megan, incorporating them with a patriotic panel.  The last two were orphans.  This morning, I found some backing material and I have them ready to be stuffed as little patriotic pillows.  To offset “just two,” I had embroidered “2026” for a third pillow.  The next visit to the studio will be stuffing the three.

  Oh yes . . . I like the tidy, tidy as it now presents itself.  The empty metal short file cabinet is immediately off to the left of the Singer serger that was Kersten’s grandmother’s.  There is now room for fabric to have some support as it is fed under the Singer serger. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 1:50 pm on October 31, 2025 Permalink  

  A Tidy Day 

  Look out studio!  I have a plan.  One of the three metal filing cabinets will be emptied by this mid-afternoon, or supper will not be made.

  I did meet my goal.  That metal filing cabinet has been scooted very close to the basement stairwell.  Of course, I went through each and every divider.

  I got way-laid:

  2004 Family Circle Magazine:  “Me Mudder”

  When – me prayers were always said,

  Who? – tucked me in my widdle bed,

  Who? – spanked me widdle ass till it was red,

  “Me Mudder”

  Who? – lifted me from a cozy cot, and set me on that ice cold pot and made me pee if I could or not,

  “Me Mudder”

  And When – the morning light had come, and me in bed dribbled some,

  Who? -Wiped me tiny widdle butt,

  “Me Mudder”

  And did – my hair so neatly part and press me gently to her heart, and sometimes squeeze me till I’d fart,

  “Me Mudder”

  So went some of the sifting and sorting in the studio.  I believe I am going to put a post on Facebook, giving away many quilt books of fabulous patterns and designs.  I am not going to put that on Facebook Market Place as I don’t want to be tethered to my phone.  I can’t in all good conscious put them in the recycling bin.  I did feed that bin quite generously as it was.

  I am now on to making some chili for supper.  A lb. of browned ground beef added to several cans of Hormel Chile – no meat, plus a can of tomato sauce.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:18 pm on October 30, 2025 Permalink  

  Aches 

  It may be an old wives tale.  Tales of aches and pains linked to the weather.  Truth or fiction.  For me, today, I will do the blame game and pin it on the weather.

  The world does not stand still because of maladies.  I intended on finishing the lap robe that was sitting under the sewing machine needle.  Once around the perimeter and the binding was done.  I folded the project after I had given it a good shake to take off any wayward threads.   Another day, I will do a grease, oil and needle change.

  I do have a project waiting in the wings for when the sewing machine has been tidied up.  A while back, I had pulled fabrics that were in harmony and cut them into 2.5″ strips.  A log cabin quilt top is in the waiting.  No hurry, no rush.  It will be busy work.

  The hand stitching is always on the go.  It might be sewing a length of floss or it may be more than that.  Again, busy work to let the body know I need to keep it moving.  I have not had a book started for some time.  Several selections are lined up on my window sill.  Eeenie, meenie, miney moe.

  There are still grain truck hauling corn in.  Depending how many acres need to be harvested, the gray wet weather might not be a concern.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:37 pm on October 29, 2025 Permalink  

  Body Guard 

  This was the day!  Dennis needed a bodyguard to go with him to the bank.  It had been some time since Dennis cashed in his loose coins.  The quarters had filled a large 32 oz. cashew plastic tube.  All of the other “no account” coins were in his red color crayon bank.  Daughter Denise was on call.  Dennis carried the 32 oz. container in a small duffle bag.  Denise carried the crayon bank with her hand securely holding the bottom as it was merely held on by the stroke of luck.  Off they went.  Too funny.

  When Nicholas was a wee one, he ventured all over the house.  All of a sudden this teeny, tiny body came out of grandpa’s darkened bedroom.  Megan was beckoned in with him . . . back into the darkened bedroom.  When they finally came out, Nicholas declared “Grandpa has tons of money.”  He was at the honey-pot of the 32 oz. container.  Oh for sweet memories.  That same container has been emptied several times since that declaration and will go right back collecting more coins.

  Some of my forenoon was spent sewing on the binding fabric to the lap robe.  Each step brings it closer to a finish.  The next visit will be tipping the binding to the top.  The days of hand sewing binding are gone.  My sister Elvera found that out when mom was in the Buffalo Lake Health-Care Center.  No matter how many notes were attached to beautiful quilts for delicate care, they went through the laundry just like any other bath towel.  The quilt was taken home and brought back with a binding that had been machine sewn.  Elvera meant well.  Quilts are to give high utility unless made for the express purpose of “you can look, but don’t touch.”  Not in my world.  All quilts that I have made and given are to be used for whatever the need may be.  If they wear out, come back and I will offer a second one.

  Where I grew up, rural Renville County, the southwest second floor bedroom was nothing other than freezing cold in the winter and blistering hot in the summer.  In the winter, quilts were hung over the windows to take the brunt of the cold as it seeped in.  One wall also had a quilt hanging up to act as insulation.  That same farmhouse has been overhauled several times by now.

  The blessings of leftover fixings from last night’s supper.  All that will be needed is a small batch of Idaho Instant Potatoes.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:37 pm on October 28, 2025 Permalink  

  Rain on a Tuesday 

  The forecast warned us, and true to form, I heard the rain begin during the night.  I also knew the rain falling on the awning would be the key for me taking my sleep right up to eight in the morning.  I also knew that the 28th, this day, the Culligan man would be coming with salt to fill the brine tank.  Would you believe he comes ringing the door bell at seven in the morning.  He rings the doorbell after he has tried entrance.  These last deliveries, we have made sure to leave the back door unlocked.  We always have a lamp on in the studio.  This morning, I heard his melodious voice call out “Culligan Man,” and I rolled over in bed for a bit more of sweet dreams.  It works!

  The rain has persisted through the day.  We need the moisture.

  I visited the studio today.  I had fabric to cut for the border of a lap top.  The 2.5″ strip was then ironed in half under the hot steam.  That was all I had intended for the sewing.  What was really on my mind in the studio was to unpack the paper products we bought at Sam’s Club last week.  Thankfully we have shelving so nothing is left sitting on the floor.  What a disaster if for some uncalled for reason we had a water issue.  We have indeed had that happen before, with only a small piece of a rug on the floor.   Believe me that was plenty to deal with.  It also gave me pause to check what type of canned-goods we had left behind the closed cabinet doors.  Taking inventory never hurts.

  Our supper this evening is in the crockpot and has been since 8:30 this morning.  The seasoned roast is on a bed on mini carrots.  Onion slices are on top of the roast.  As long as I was slicing onions, I cut enough for the cucumber dish Dennis was going to make.  That is totally his deal and he does it well.  Mid-afternoon and the house is filled with great aromas on this cool day.

  Since we have had a killing frost, I look outside as I type this and the world is covered in a bed of soggy leaves.  So be it.  This evening, I plan on doing some hand stitching.  It’s been a few days and I need to keep wrists and hands moving to avoid atrophy.  With the arthritis that is already present, it would like to take advantage of non-use. 

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥

   
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  Noreen 2:02 pm on October 27, 2025 Permalink  

  Monday the 27th 

  It’s a Monday, Monday with the laundry goes full force.  Intermittent gray skies, winds are not lacking.

  Dennis needed to be at the Mayo clinic here in town for blood work.  A yearly appointment that can tell much.  Towards evening I will go onto the Mayo Portal and check out the readings.  Next week, Dennis has his annual visit to the VA Clinic here in town.  Three of his meds come via the VA and an annual checkup reviews if the meds are still doing what they are intended to do.  Those three are advantageous financially going via the VA.  His remaining meds work well going through Well-Care, our prescription provider. 

  This afternoon we shopped for a Boston Butt Pork Roast.  It will be going into the crockpot on Tuesday morning with carrots and an onion.  Good aromas and goods eats are coming our way.

  After we were through at the Super Fair grocery, we went to the Dairy Queen.  Tomorrow is the last day of this season for it to be open.  Dennis had caught the signage last week on their advertisement.  I ordered a small Butter-Finger Blizzard and Dennis ordered a small Strawberry Blizzard.  From the Dairy Queen we went and parked on our acre, visited and watched traffic, enjoying the treat.  A perfect fall date.

  Tomorrow Dennis and Tom will be changing oil in the mowers, pulling the batteries as well as anything else that needs a look-see.

  For me . . . I will be content visiting the studio and hopefully doing some hand stitching.  Neither of those two felt like a good thing to do today after yesterday’s task.

  With that I will take my leave.  ♥